Inspiring Career Women and Working Moms—Barby Siegel for Marie Claire Indonesia

Career women and working moms are a hot topic around the globe, including here in Jakarta. Zeno New York’s survey to millennial moms in response to the worldwide phenomenon in Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In echoes this interest. When Zeno Group CEO Barby Siegel visited Asia, I knew the topic would be a perfect fit for her to discuss in Marie Claire … and they agreed!

We had heard a lot of great things about Barby and in an industry that appears predominantly comprised of women, Zeno Indonesia felt like we could relate to her. Marie Claire has a keen interest in women and was thrilled and inspired by Barby and our survey.

The interview was a fruitful one and we were all inspired by Barby’s stories and experience.

“I believe you will be able to achieve balance by having the right support group within your family and in your work environment.  Let’s not hide the fact that we all have families that need us and family that we’re responsible for.” –Barby Siegel

To me, she is the epitome of a successful working mother who “keeps things real” and has a balance for work and personal life.

 Here’s an excerpt of the article:

 As a CEO of Zeno Group, Barby never thought that the company will be spread out worldwide. She admits that she continues to follow her passion by challenging herself. She is an open, humorous and an optimistic individual which is evident when she shared with us (Marie Claire) about her career experience and how she pushes women to be adventurous in their career.

 How do you formulate a leadership strategy for millennial women?

I try to be flexible in my work place and I encourage not only young mums but young fathers to work from home if they need to. It’s important to keep them productive by creating several innovations and sharing experiences. Additionally, I believe you will be able to achieve balance by having the right support group within your family and in your work environment.  Let’s not hide the fact that we all have families that needs us and family that we’re responsible for.

 In the beginning of your career, what is one thing that continues to be your principle? Have you always wanted to be a CEO?

No, I never thought about being a CEO. However my passion has always been in public relation. At one point where I had been working for an agency for 7 years, I felt like I needed a change and Kate White – a figure that inspires me introduced me to Richard Edelman and that helped me to get me where I am now. It’s important to have an inspirational figure and mentor in one’s career, I also believe that when one is building their career they should also build their personal branding.

To read the rest of this article, pick up a copy of the May edition of Marie Claire Indonesia.